Thursday, March 17, 2011

His Gentle Whisper

At the last moment I picked up the little book of spiral index cards filled with memory verses and stepped outside to begin my walk. I was walking alone, so I decided to start at the very beginning and recite as many as could out loud. I think the neighbors are used to seeing me talking to myself as I walk along our little country road. They wave anyway.

There are some verses that, meaningful at the time, still hit my heart with great force. I am reminded once again of my Father's faithfulness and unfailing love - the way He never fails to meet me right where I am.

Walking down the little hill toward home I came to I Kings 19: 11,12. The words, spoken out loud, caused my heart to beat just a little faster. I felt the tears start. They came in answer to questions my heart had been asking. Questions about devastating earthquakes, tsunamis, unimaginable suffering and where are You Father in all of that?

"...and as Elijah stood there the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And the after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper."

In my own simple way (which may certainly be lacking in sound theology) I heard the Spirit say that the Lord is there in Japan, His gentle whisper speaking, as only He can, to those who are suffering in unimaginable ways. He moves quietly, lovingly with tender mercy and grace. And gently He calls us to reach out in love that He might touch lives through us.



Linking to Emily's imperfect prose today.

Blessings,
Linda